Fine print in ad mentions admininistration fee but fails to specify the amount. Dealer says it's $290 and includes 3 year/65,000 km powertrain warranty. Dealer says maximum claim of $1,600 with a $100 deductible (good information). Dealer states car would normally list for $4,000 more, but "we got it from insurance". Dealer does not explain this means it is likely a write-off. Dealer says "we never buy cars from Quebec...nothing is ever true-- the kilometers are not true or the cars are accidented." Focus: Dealer says owner drove it into garage door, no longer wanted the car, and returned it to "insurance". Repairs would be performed after buyer makes offer. APA inspection confirms minor impact, non-structural.

Dealer says fender-benders do not show up in accident history (often true). Cars are purchased from dealers and checked before purchase. Dealer does not accept any cars involved in collisions. All cars come with 2-year AutoGuard warranty up to $850, customer pays the rest. Ad states Civic DX Hatchback "extra clean in and out, certified and emission tested". Dealer believes car had more than one owner. Traded by the last owner (a professor) to a local Mazda dealership. Seller says car has A/C. APA inspection shows body filler in one fender, one door. Door snagging fender when opened. Muffler rusted through, A/C not working (compressor failure). Car drives acceptably for age and mileage. 98 Civic DX coupe: seller says original paint. APA inspection shows both fenders replaced, bumpers, hood, doors, quarter panels repainted; lots of bpdy filler in quarter panels and right door. Echo: partial APA inspection; grill, bumper, hood and upper support replaced after frontal impact. Both front doors repainted. A/C lines kinked from impact. Price low for stated mileage and equipment. Fail for misrepresenting collision damages.

Very tricky ad-- all payments are bi-weekly for 60 months with $2,500 downpayment at 7.9%. Administration fee mentioned in fine print but not the amount ($398 and $30 fuel charge). All prices final. Dealer calls UCDA for VIN search on every car. If they say "no", there's a problem. Cars listed above were all bought at auction; less risk than buying from an individual. Cirrus: Salesman says advertised $70 bi-weekly is $140 per month (not true). Manager drops price of car twice to close deal, to $7,000 with free oil changes for a year. Monthly payment of $137.72 is based on 5-year financing (car would be 10 years old by the time it was paid off!). Mercedes: manager recommends not buying the car as the odometer reading may not be true and it's too old to finance. Some pressure to close. Dealer keeps a photocopy of shopper's driver's license.

10

Liberty Auto

3718 Kingston Road Scarborough

416-261-7572

1999 Toyota Corolla LE, 140,000 km $7,900 2T1BR12E3XC747296

1997 Honda Civic CX, 193,522 km $5,900 2HGEJ6437VH004190

1997 Honda Civic Si, 150,000 km $5,900 1HGEJ8124VL806495

Fail

Dealership does not charge extra fees. "The price is the price". Price includes two-year 24,000 km powertrain warranty from AutoGuard or A-Protect available for $200 and an additional $50 for 2 years with unlimited mileage. First salesman says "cars are from trade-ins, dealers and auctions". "We certify the car...We can't tell you a lie because we're a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station". Next day a different salesman says "cars are from insurance auctions". "We fix them, put them back together...we check them for safety; the body, too." Off-site inspection by buyer's mechanic not permitted because people steal parts. 1999 Corolla: Carproof title search shows Ontario registration since Sept. 2001 (no info earlier). Major collision and salvage title issued in June 2004. APA inspection shows windshield, bumpers, front fenders and hood replaced. Structural damage:
non-factory welds, subframe squashed. Most of vehicle repainted. Air bag light disconnected or inoperable. Brakes rusty. A/C inoperable, wiring harness cut. Missing windshield washer reservoir and various fasteners discovered loose in trunk. 1997 Civic Si: seller says only hood, bumper and front light replaced. "We get a certificate that says it's okay for the road". First Carfax record is in Ontario in October 2001. Salvage title November 2003. Rebuilt title 2004. APA inspection shows fenders, hood replaced. Body filler in the left-side windshield pillar, doors and rear quarter panels. Windshield replaced. Front bumper welded on at subframe rails. Air bag warning light on, parking brake warning on. Incorrect tire size, one rear tire defective (blown belt).1997 Civic hatchback: First Carfax record in Dec. 2001 in Ontario. Salvage title March 2004, rebuilt title July 2004. APA inspection shows front bumper,
fenders, hood and windshield replaced (partial inspection only). Several other collision damaged and poorly repaired vehicles on site: 2 Intrepids, an advertised 92 MPV, red Cavalier (one of two in ad: 96 or 98), 2nd Corolla. Carproof claim history for 97 Si $1008 in September 97, $5674 in March 2002, $4524 in Jan. 03 and $8444 in Oct 03.

11

The Loan Arranger 4249 Kingston Road Scarborough

416-283-4262

2002 Ford Taurus SE, 62,000 km

1FAFP56U32G105936

Pass

Does not sell Toyota as prices too high to offer good value (often true). 20 years in business, sells 80 units a month. Vehicles are trade-ins from dealers and leasing companies. Inspection at buyer's garage permitted. Does not buy cars from Montreal. "They're called the spin doctors; you can't trace them in Montreal." 98%-99% of cars are accident-free; dealer has to declare it (correct if material fact). Excellent soliloquy ("I don't believe anybody in the car business'). Some pressure to close a deal. Taurus: Dealer offers to obtain accident report. Thinks car had frontal impact. After obtaining accdent report, dealer says impact to a rear quarter panel. Offers to locate another collision-free Taurus if buyer prefers. APA obtains CarProof report showing three collision claims ranging from $1,267 to $4,777. Vehicle sold at auction with "structural" damage. Repair finish appears to be to original standards.

12

Signature Motor Car 3941 Keele Street North York

M3J 2W1

416-739-7769

2000 Hyundai Sonata 4-cyl.,127,000 km, from $5,550 KMHWF25S9YA251017

2001 Hyundai Accent GL,127,503 km, $5,950 KMHCG45C41V202719)

2000 Volkswagen Golf 5-speed, 128,000 km, $11,495 WVNGAZ1JOYW53586

Fail

Ad states "We provide each car with a history report, mileage accuracy check, ownership history, free of accidents". Excessive extra fees not mentioned in ad results in failure: $295 administration fee and $395 PDI ($690 in extra fees, the highest of the investigation). AutoGuard powertrain warranty included. Cars bought from wholesalers, guaranteed no acidents, all original. Encourages inspection at buyer's repair shop. "Accident-wise, it's guaranteed. If it has anything wrong with it, I have to declare it to you by law."

No administration fees or delivery charge. Inspection permitted at buyer's garage if not far away. Ad says 4 to choose. Gold car cheaper than the others because it has collision damage. ''The auction said it was structural, but the car drives straight.'' Dealer declares structural damage, and car priced accordingly.

Vehicle offered for sale in parking lot of an Active Green and Ross repair shop. Seller states previous owner was a church; all original paint, low mileage, working air conditioning; Active Green and Ross had maintained the vehicle and were prepared to certify it for sale based on an inspection recently performed. Seller prepared to pay for fuel filler repair. Seller says oil changed and all fluids topped up. Vehicle history search shows 90,000 km in 1994 after just two years in service. Imported from Quebec to Ontario in 2001 as a commercial vehicle and switched to private individual in 2004. APA inspection shows right side of vehicle hit, body filler and repainted (not structural), parking brake inoperative, instrument panel taken apart, horn inoperative, steering leak, air conditioner inoperative. Oil dirty, steering fluid low, various small fluid leaks. Overall wear and condition consistent with 300,000 + km.

Vehicles bought from dealers, no Quebec nor accidented vehicles. Dealer says auction cars are "rejects". One-year powertrain warranty with roadside assistance from CAA. Safety inspection performed by the dealer and then sent to the warranty company for a check-up (not true-- dealer self-inspects). Off-site inspection by buyer"s mechanic not permitted. Admin fee mentioned in ad but not the amount of $299. Full accident declaration from his supplier, "even minor stone chips". Mileage on cars from Quebec "is not true about 99% of the time". Corolla: ad says 140,000 km, odometer reads 149xxx km. Dealer says all original paint except "perhaps for a scratch¨. Entire car repainted. Tires new. Yellow scrapyard markings on several underhood components. Other cars on lot with extensive repainting and collision repair work (silver Civic, brown Altima, black Acura 1.6 RL).

Ford Windstar in ad "very good shape, well-maintained." Interior covered in mold. Not habitable. Monte Carlo not in ad had extensive collision repairs (represented as maybe a small one) & a big antifreeze leak (represented as leaking because overfilled).

4

Advance Auto Sales

12757 King George Highway Surrey B.C. V3V 3K7

Dodge Caravan 1999 2B4GP25G7XR128566

Fail

Misrepresented collision damage "on extra clean" van in the ad. History search shows a salvage title was issued in Dec. 04 & a rebuilt title certificate in Jan. 05. Significant structural damage to the A & B pillars and badly repaired. APA inspection reveals road visible through badly adjusted side door when it is closed. Driver's door replaced and wiring for power windows and door locks cut and taped. Dealer provides form that shows van passed ICBC inspection.

5

Road Star Auto Sales

12521 King George Highway Surrey B.C. V3V 3K3

Chev Venture 2000 1GNDU23E4YD248806

Dodge Caravan 1999 2B4FP253XXR189855

Results pending

Results pending

6

Quest Auto Group

12755 King George Highway Surrey B.C. V3V 3K7

Plymouth Voyager 1997 1P4GP44R4VB416229

Fail

Inconsistent odometer reading: Emissions inspection in June 2000 at 155,000 miles in Texas & sold at auction in June 2001 with 186,000 miles. Passed emissions with 94, 000 km in 2002 in BC. Misrepresented vehicle as being from Seattle and in Vancouver since 1998. Mileage on vehicle on the lot 168,000 miles. Lots of body filler in the fenders, doors, and rear quarter panels. Salesperson says no accident. Replacement transmissiom leaking fluid. Road test not permitted unless shoppers signed contract subject to inspection. Dealer relented after shoppers complained.

Misleading ad " 0 % financing APR down payment" does not mean 0 %. Dealer says it means "0 % over prime". Forbes Financial (a brokerage firm) "handles the financing." Dealer disclosed front collision on the Venture. Ad says very clean, actually rough. Astro represented as no accident and certified. Hood, bumper and fender repainted. History search found an inconsistent mileage reading on the Astro. Vehicle was serviced on May 17, 2002 with 126,000 miles and on January 17, 2004 it was listed as having 123,031 miles. Dealer says 278,000 km.

9

Adanac Motors

5689 Byrne Road Burnaby B.C.

V5J 3J3

Oldsmobile Achieva 1995 1G3NL53M0SM329804

Pass

Dealer points error in engine size in the ad. Dealer declared accident. Showed ICBC report and inspection/repairs report. No doc fees "Why do I have to charge you for something I have to do anyways". Inspection off-site possible. Good info from salesperson Dan Sayers.

10

GN Motors

5730 Marine Drive Burnaby B.C.

V5J 3G8

Ford Taurus Wagon 2000 1FAFP58U3YA183013

Ford Taurus sedan 1999 1FAFP52U3XG161999

Fail

Taurus sedan had broken glass on dash and rear window. The antifreeze was very low. The engine light was on, brakes pulsing, temperature needle goes up too high on the road test.

11

Canem Auto

5689 Byrne Road Burnaby B.C.

V5J 3J3

Plymouth Grand Voyager 1997

2P4GP44RXVR169624

Results pending

Results pending

12

Platinum Import Auto

7645 Edmonds St. Burnaby B.C.

V3N 1B6

Subaru Legacy L/Alpine AWD 1994

4T1VK12W5PU053069

Toyota Camry LE 1993 4E1Vk12W5PU053069

Fail

Ad says 140,000 km, Subaru has over 250,000 km.History search indicates last known mileage to be 178,138 miles Passed emissions June 23, 2004 in Auburn Washington at 173,822 miles. The Camry was described as mint in the ad. Inspection shows fenders, hood, front bumper replaced and front impact on the frame. Misrepresented mileage on the Camry. Ad says '120,000 km'', on odometre 173,000 km. History search reveals last reported mileage was 163,345 miles.

13

Milani Auto Sales

6951 East Hastings St. Burnaby B.C. V5B 1S9

Honda Civic 1998 2HGEJ633XWH000332

Nissan Quest 1993 4N2DN11W1PD840445

Pass

Ford Explorer in the ad not available, in the shop for electric door locks repair. Major collision damage on the Civic. Dealer showed accident report which indicated three claims, 2 low amounts and one no amount recorded. Dealer said if claim was paid in cash it would still be recorded. Quest had extensive repaint, including black paint on underbody & exhaust leak. Dealer says don't touch vehicles involved in an accident.

14

Carter Honda 2390 Burrard Street Vancouver B.C.

V6J 3J1

Honda Civic 1995 JHMEG866XSS800063

Honda Accord 1995 1HGCD563XSA805180

Fail

Misleading ad for the Civic, ad reads "no accidents". Aftermarket fenders, right side doors had body filler and were repainted. Right side quarter panels were also repainted. After road test dealer said he found one accident claim over $2000, others smaller. The larger claim was a theft loss cash settlement. Salesperson had no knowledge of ad content but regarded theft loss not a collision and would try to lower the retail price.

15

Lansdowne Saturn Saab

5660 Minoru Blvd. Richmond B.C V6X 2A9

Pontiac Sunfire GT 1997 3G2JD12T7VS814432

Fail

Excessive administration fees of $399. Dealer did not declare left front fender replaced and a full repaint. Ad reads 80,000 km. Car had in fact 88,000 km. Dealer misrepresented safety inspection done and vehicle ready to go. Brakes vibrating, air bag light on, ball joints and the tie rod ends and seat rails were loose. Inspection form shown was confusing as to what was repaired.

Salesperson chose better vehicle of the two the shoppers looked at. Accurate disclosure of collision damage on the Civic and good warranty info. Good info from salesperson Clement Wu.

18

Brown Brothers Ford

270 S.E. Marine Drive Vancouver B.C.

V5X 2S6

Ford Escort 1999 3FAFP15P6XR198200

Honda Civic 2001 1HGEM21541L800141

Pass

Among two vehicles, salesperson chose the advertised Escort as a better car and declared collision damage on the Civic. Good exchange policy and advertised vehicle available. Good info from salesperson, Charlie Xu.

19

Dueck

400 S.E. Marine Drive Vancouver B. C.

V5X 4X2

Chev Cavalier 2001

Fail

Ad says "2001 Cev Cavaliers starting from $6495". Vehicle sold two days before the ad appeared. Dealer was not prepared to honor the price. High administration fee of $420 (includes preparation and a form of insurance in the event of a total loss claim.)

20

West Coast Ford Lincoln

20370 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge B.C.

V2X 2P8

Hyundai Accent 2002

Pass

Ad reads "Guaranteed $3000 Trade-In" & "Don't pay till June 2005 on all pre-owned vehicles," & 3 day/3000 km money back guarantee." This dealer gets a pass based on the probability of misprint on the 3 day/300 km moneyback guarantee. The salesperson didn't seem to be aware of error which was actually 300 km, and not 3000 km as advertised. All info was disclosed to the buyers including the fact that interest is accrued if buyers chose to start payments in June as ad states.

Good supply of advertised 2004 Cavaliers from $11,488.
Salesman says 2004 Accent at $10,950 would cost much more at a Hyundai dealership and would possibly be misrepresented as a demo (both true). Discloses Corolla frontal collision when shopper inquires. Road test encouraged, inspection at buyer's garage permitted.
Prices about $2000 below competing dealerships. No administration fee for finance deals as financial institutions do not charge one. No pressure and good information from salesperson.

Seller says 2000 Saturn is in good overall condition
(confirmed by APA inspection). Recommends Ecort sedan over the VW GTI because the latter is more
expensive to maintain (true). Discloses collision damage on a 2002 Neon (nice touch). APA inspection reveals Escort hood replaced and half of car
repainted, brakes pulsing, transmission slight clunk.
Recommends bank finance as least expensive solution for a credit-worthy customer (good advice). No extra fees, dealership receives a commission from the finance company if the customer takes
out a loan (correct).

8

M.R. Auto Sales Inc.
320-39th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB

T2G 1X8

1996 Mazda Protegé LX, 184,000 km, $6,495
JM1BB1440T0327119

1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 2-door, 96,750 km

Results pending

Results pending

9

Auto Maxx
4914 -6 Street N.E.
Calgary, AB

T2K 4W5

2003 Pontiac Sunfire, 2-door, 52,560 km
$10 980

2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT, $10,980

2001-2004 Ford Taurus (one 2004 left)

2002-2004 Ford Focus (one 2004 left)

Fail

Misleading ad. Advertised prices assume a $2,000
down payment (indicated in the fine print). Advertised monthly payments are amortized over 84 months with a balloon payment at 60 months (not indicated in ad). Balloon payment on Sunfire
advertised at $179 a month is $3,500. Dealer says Sunfire is a lease return inspected for safety and collision-free. Documentation fee of $175, or $395 if dealer is arranging financing (not indicated in ad).

10

Excell Auto and Truck Center
323-36th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB

T2G 3Z3

1999 Nissan Quest, 93,000 miles, $10, 995

Pass

Tricky ad: monthly payments assume a $2,000 down payment with a 60-month term (barely readable in the fine print). Advertised 99 Quest with 93,000 miles turns out to be from Montana. Dealer
says accident-free and in excellent shape (confirmed
by APA inspection). No extra fees.

11

Ninth Avenue Auto
1234 9th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB

T2G 0T1

2002 Ford Taurus SE, 102,000 km, $10,500

2001 Ford Focus Wagon, 74,000 km $8,500

2002 Ford Focus Wagon, $6,888 (in shop being inspected)

Pass

Advertised 2001 Focus available; 2002 wagon is in
the shop being prepared for sale. Dealer says 2002
Taurus SE is collision-free and in very good mechanical
condition. Confirmed by APA inspection.Inspection permitted at buyer's garage. No extra
fees.

12

Double L. Motors
1509-9th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB

T2G 0T6

1996 Plymouth Voyager, 174,090 km, $4,995

Pass

Dealership sells 120 vehicles a month. Voyager is a rare 4-cylinder model (indicted in ad); ad says it has been inspected and is in great shape. Dealer
says accident-free. Vehicle requires a boost to get it started. APA inspection shows most of the vehicle has been repainted (damage not structural), tires are worn, cracked instrument panel cover, leak at transmission. Three-month powertrain warranty from Coast to Coast. $250 fee for finance customers.

13

Kramer Mazda
5707 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB

T2H 0J7

2000 Mazda Protegé LX, 50,250 km,
from $7,888

Pass

Tricky ad: Zero down, 0% interest and advertised
payment are only for the first year of a 5-year loan.
Vehicles are mostly trade-ins or lease returns. Innovative 7-day exchange policy; 30-day powertrain warranty. Buyer can have vehicle inspected by own mechanic. Dealer says Protegé is inspected and
ready to go. APA inspection shows partial repaint (no structural damage) and mechanically fit. Documentation fee of $195 on every sale not disclosed in ad.

14

Kia City
3911 Macleod Trail S.W.
Calgary, AB

T2G 2R4

1994 Plymouth Voyager SE, 80,854 km
$5 995

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 206,000 km
$9 995

Fail

Advertised 94 Voyager a trade-in from an older couple who had owned it 4 years. APA inspection shows evidence of older rear impact (not structural), loose rear wheel bearing, steering leak. Condition consistent with age and price of vehicle. Inspection at buyer's garage permitted with $500 refundable deposit. Excessive documentation fee of $399 added to every sale results in failure.

Seller says the Civic is originally a B.C. car which he
has owned for a year and is selling to pay for school. Seller says the car has no defects and he has serviced the brakes and changed the oil. Inspection permitted at buyer's garage. APA inspection shows most of
the car has been repainted; some body filler in the door (non-structural and competent repair). Good mechanical condition. Carfax report shows it was sold at auction in January 05 with 186,338 km. Car showing 86,960 km at time of sale.

Advertised mint 1996 Aurora for $6,960 is a mistake. Ad should read $7,860 (Auto Trader confirms there was an error). Salesperson says vehicle is all original, collision-free, and the brakes have been
replaced. APA inspection reveals left side impact,
coolant low, and intake leak. Left side repainted, damage non-structural. Brake discs somewhat rusted, do not look brand new. History search reveals privately owned vehicle, very regularly serviced, and collision repair cost was $4,473. When interviewed by W Five, dealer explains vehicle was purchased from another dealer who did not disclose the prior collision.

20

Auto Leader South
5003 1st Avenue S.W.
Calgary, AB

2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 149,000 km
VIN # 1G1ND52J9Y6132902

2001 Pontiac Sunfire, $6,000-$7,000
VIN # 1G2JB124317157085

2001 Pontiac Grand Am, $9,500
1G2NFE11M551515 (missing 2 digits)

Pass

Three non-dealer ads in the classifieds. Seller readily
identifies himself as a dealer over the phone.Salesman says most vehicles are lease returns, and points out rear impact on the trunk lid of the Malibu. APA inspection confirms rear impact, trunk lid replaced. Rear and left side of car repainted. Damage not structural. Loose ball joint and/or tie rod end. Two worn tires. Sunfire hood replaced, originalfenders, front half repainted. Grand Am bumper, hood and fenders repainted. Thirty-day warranty on powertrain from the dealer. Does not believe aftermarket warranties offer good value (often true). No problem with inspection at buyer's garage. No extra fees.

Exaggerated advertising: 10,000 vehicles in inventory is actually a virtual inventory in a computer. Vehicles could be anywhere in Canada. Salesman says dealer can bid for cars over the Internet by auction, unlike Encan Direct H. Gregoire, which is a fake auction. Written mechanical inspection report supplied with every vehicle. Excessive vehicle preparation fee of $549.

3

Complexe Automobile Premier Choix
11700 Sherbrooke Est
Montreal, Qc

H1B 1C4

2002 Ford Focus SE, automatic, 88,951 km, $10, 300

2001 Ford Taurus SE, 61,161 km, $11,995
VIN # IFAFP53U5G264170

2001 Hyundai Elantra VE, 112,263 km, $8,495
VIN # KMHDM45D81U051924

Fail

Fail for misleading advertising: Advertised prices of $9 for a 2000 Neon, $42 for a 2004 Windstar and $19 for a 2000 Accent are weekly payments not including extra fees and possibly interest. Ad does not indicate the price of any vehicles. Large, attractive indoor showroom and well-prepared vehicles. Five-day/1,000 km exchange guarantee on every vehicle. Extra preparation charge of $299 per vehicle, indicated in the ad.

4

Centre de l’Auto Ste-Catherine
11250 Sherbrooke Est
Montréal, Qc

H1B 1B6

1995 Hyundai Sonata, 145,000 km, $3,450
VIN# KMHCF21S850155

Fail

Dealer will inspect vehicle prior to delivery. APA inspection reveals water in the trunk, loose rear wheel bearings, and a small engine oil leak. Large transmission leak poorly repaired. Failure on warranty representations: dealer does not mention low claim limit on Avantage Plus warranty, and written materials misrepresent it as insured (Advantage Plus told APA its warranties are not underwritten by an insurer).

Over the phone salesman says advertised 2002 Caravan for $8,400 has been sold the morning the ad appears. Dealer has several similar vehicles for $9,500 and up. The Caravan is on the lot with a sold sign on it, unrepaired collision damage at the left front (not disclosed in ad) and not reconditioned for sale. Advertised Alero turns out to be an unpopular 4-cylinder 2-door with no air conditioner (not disclosed in the ad). Several better equipped similar vehicles available at higher prices. Cars purchased outside Quebec subject to an $80 fee for government inspection (not disclosed in ad) on top of the $399 preparation charge on every vehicle. All vehicles carry a 30-day/1,700 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and exchange privilege. No-haggle fixed selling prices.

6

Mondial Saturn
9415 ave. Papineau
Montreal, Qc

H2M 2G5

2002 Saturn Vue, manual, power package, 110,000 km, $12,995

Fail

The low advertised price of $12,995 corresponds to a
manual transmission vehicle with high mileage. Only one vehicle available and it's being shared by three dealers. Low-pressure informative salesperson explains the Occasion en Or used car exchange warranty.

Vehicles receive a basic safety inspection and repairs prior to sale. Several improvements since APA visit in 2003: road test and inspection at buyer's garage now permitted. Vehicle preparation has improved. Thirty-day major components warranty minimum on all vehicles. Indoor showroom. Large selection; inventory moves very quickly, but dealer can provide similar vehicle for the same price. Extra fee of $385 added to every vehicle. Low no haggle-prices. Consumer complaint that dealership misrepresents relationship with APA.

Advertised Civic available at the advertised price. Advertised 0% financing is for 15 months only, after which 15% is typical. Six months or 6000 km powertrain warranty from the dealer; salesman saysaftermarket warranty companies can be reluctant topay. Ad fails to mention the $300 administration fee applicable to buyers who finance.

Prices are all inclusive; there are no extra fees. Dealer says all vehicles have been inspected by the SAAQ. According to dealer, the Cavalier is a lease return in excellent condition with a minor impact. Inspection by APA reveals a significant impact,repainted rear quarter panels and right rear door. Evidence of body filler and misaligned right-sidetaillights. Venture: Inspection of the vehicle shows left front fender replaced, engine and antilock brake warning light on and a defective power window. Possible intake leak. Low prices.

Complete advertising indicates the number of vehicles available and equipment. Large indoor showroom and well-equipped service facility. Vehicles well-prepared for sale. All vehicles carry a minimum warranty of one month or 1,700 km. No-haggle fixed prices. Extra $395 preparation fee mentioned in the ad.

Advertised Accord and Integra are available. Advertised monthly payments include a $2000 down payment (mentioned in the fine print). Salesperson says all three cars have original paint, with no collisions. APA inspection of the Accord reveals the hood and bumper have been replaced and the vehicle is fully repainted after a significant frontal impact. One-year warranty limited to the powertrain.

13

ADF Auto
1119 boulevard Taschereau
Longueuil, Qc

J4K 2X6

2000 Golf GTI, yellow 2-door, 6-cyl., 5-speed, 95,000 km, $14, 995

VIN#WVWDE21J9YW39150414995

Fail

Dealer says car is a lease return with no collisions and original paint. Minimum one-month/1,700 km bumper-to-bumper warranty on all vehicles. APA inspection reveals the hood and fenders have been replaced and the grill is broken. The right-side door does not close well (structural damage possible).
Three-year/60,000 km Veri-Cheque warranty costs $1 800,00

Misleading ad claims vehicles are sold at $399 over cost. Misleading use of term 'grossiste' (wholesaler) and Centre de distribution (distribution center). The
distribution center is actually a used car lot selling retail. Salesperson misrepresents relationship with the APA (claims APA checks the dealership's books to make sure everything is in order). Advertised Accent is fairly clean; inspection shows the hood and fenders are repainted, but there is no structural damage. The tires are worn out. Dealership has since adopted the name retourdesfabricants.ca, somewhat misleading as vehicles are regular lease returns.

Advertised monthly payment of $175 is plus taxes and for an 84-month loan. Vehicles are cosmetically clean lease returns and daily rentals. Salesperson fully explains the Occasion en Or program, including the vehicle inspection and exchange privilege.

All inclusive prices with no extra fees. Indoor showroom with a good selection of popular vehicles. Safety inspection and 30-day/1,700 km warranty on all vehicles. Low no-haggle prices. Prominant sign indicating dealership is recommended by APA is misleading, but salesperson provides correct
information. Congenial low-pressure salesperson.

The two advertised vehicles had been sold (ad was a few days old). Salesman provided detailed information and full report on repairs needed to prepare vehicles for sale. Incomplete information on the Occasion en Or used car program; seller neglects to mention the 10-day/1,000 km exchange privilege.

19

Auto Dépôt
10365 boulevard Gouin
Roxboro, Qc

H8Y 1S1

2003 Mazda Protegé LX, auto., 46,000 km, $13, 900

Fail

Advertised monthly payment of $193 does not include interest and taxes; actual payment is $344 over 60 months. One-month bumper-to-bumper warranty minimum on all vehicles. Good selection of Japanese and European luxury models.

20

Alix Toyota
6807 De Lorimier
Montreal, Qc
H2G 2P8

2000 Toyota Echo, 4-dr auto., A/C, 111,664 km, $7,995

Fail

Two of three advertised Echos ''starting at $7,995''
available. Information not on label, but salesperson discloses the cheaper car at $7,995 is a delivery vehicle.
No-haggle fixed price. One-month/1,700 km warranty on all vehicles. Inspection permitted at buyer's garage
only if vehicle is towed there and back at buyer's expense as dealer will not provide a license plate (results in failure). Car not prepared for sale. APA inspection reveals $800 of repairs which dealer performs before delivery of vehicle. Occasion en Or dealership that fails to comply with the standards of the program regarding the pre-purchase inspection and no mention of the 10day/1,000 km exchange privilege.